Children’s cancer charity to buy UK flats

Puttinu Cares, the children’s cancer organisation, has teamed up with Bank of Valletta to buy 12 apartments in the UK which are within walking distance of the hospital where many Maltese patients receive treatment.

The apartments will be used to accommodate families of children who receive care at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton.

“This project will remove logistical and financial hurdles for families who are already burdened with the challenges of cancer and can focus on giving their full support to their loved ones,” Victor Calvagna, founder and consultant at Puttinu Cares, said.

The bank will be providing financial assistance in this project through a tailor-made facility, according to the bank’s chief officer operations, Michael Galea.

Moreover, the two organisations will be setting up a trust to guarantee the sustainability of Puttinu Cares, Mr Galea added. Through this trust, Puttinu Cares will benefit from the bank’s expertise in financial management and ensure transparency in the governance of the group.

In 2008, the children’s cancer support group had “amicably” severed ties with competitor bank HSBC and had said it was not looking for a relationship with another bank.